Chris and Angele Jester’s SailTime Story
Many moons ago, on January 27, 2005, we incorporated as Recreational Asset Management, DBA SailTime Orange County. We signed the license agreement with SailTime Licensing Group, and ordered the first boat to launch the fleet, a 2005 Hunter 33. It was a really rainy winter like last year and we had just put up all of our savings, as well as taken out a big loan, to start the business. We were young and a little scared, but also very excited with big dreams in our hearts and minds!
Our first boat arrived in late March, in time for the Newport Boat Show that April, and as they say, “the rest is history.” Well, not so fast… By 2007 we grew the fleet to 7 boats, and all seemed to be going well. Fractional boating was gaining traction and people liked the SailTime model. Then, the Great Recession hit. By 2009, many other marine based businesses had gone out of business — but here in Orange County, we were determined to stay afloat (pun intended).
Like sailors weathering a mighty storm, we stayed the course in our foul weather gear and braved the headwind through the Great Recession. It was a small craft advisory, but we battened down the hatches and waited for signs of improving weather. The good weather eventually returned, like it always does, and we have continued pursing the dream while raising a family.
The fleet has grown and so have the complexities. But, the real thing that has made it special is the people: the people on our team and our members and owner members. We are so thankful and appreciative of you. You make it all worth it. The fun, the memories, and the experiences with you have kept us motivated to stay the course.
Cheers!
Chris and Angele
